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Dermalogica Is Removed From the Leaping Bunny Program

Submitted by lizzy on Tue, 10/09/2012 - 11:33

The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics, which operates the Leaping Bunny Program in the United States and Canada, has announced that skincare company Dermalogica is no longer certified as cruelty-free.

Following up on reports, CCIC investigated and concluded that Dermalogica has had products approved for sale in The People’s Republic of China, which makes the company a party to animal testing.

“It is unfortunate that a company like Dermalogica, which has been on our list for several years, is implicated in cruel and unnecessary animal testing—just to sell in China,” says CCIC chair Sue Leary. “It seems that they were monitoring their supply chain to guard against animal testing, but not their distribution system.

“Companies need to understand: it’s your brand; it’s your responsibility,” Leary continues. “Dermalogica profited from sales in China and so they are accountable. That is the heart of the Leaping Bunny Standard.”

It has become known industrywide that companies selling cosmetic and personal-care products in China are required under new, specific guidelines to test—or be a party to testing of—finished cosmetic products and/or ingredients on animals. These requirements have caused other companies such as Mary Kay to be removed from the Leaping Bunny list due to similar concerns.

Now that the animal testing has been revealed, Dermalogica says that it will try to rectify the situation—although it may take some time.

“Dermalogica does not condone animal testing, and is in the process of actively withdrawing our product registrations and undertaking the necessary actions to suspend our distribution to the Chinese market,” states Dermalogica CEO Daniel Ginsberg.

Vicki Katrinak, CCIC administrator, adds, “I don’t doubt that Dermalogica regrets animal testing conducted in its name. But the fact is that consumers rely on us to let them know which companies are cruelty-free, and Dermalogica can no longer be considered in that category.”

The Leaping Bunny Program sets itself apart from other cruelty-free lists by reviewing companies’ adherence to a strict no-animal testing standard. All Leaping Bunny companies must be open to independent audits for verification, and pledge commitments are renewed on an annual basis.

[Image courtesy of The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics]